ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes may soon be leading his side into action in a second-tier European Super League.

The Dons have drawn up plans to be involved in a summer league along with teams from Scandinavia and other nations across the continent. The Pittodrie side are convinced change is coming and they don’t want to be left behind.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have already put the wheels in motion to introduce a super league competition involving Europe’s elite clubs.

Celtic’s Peter Lawwell has made no secret of his club’s desire to be part of a cross-borders set-up and talks have involved clubs from Holland, Belgium, Scandinavia and the Czech Republic who are concerned about the widening gulf between the bigger and lesser nations’ leagues.

The plans are not backed by FIFA or UEFA but Lawwell believes their attitudes are softening.

UEFA have granted approval for a Holland and Belgium women’s league while negotiations are being held to merge the Russian and Ukrainian leagues – which could open the door for widespread change.

Aberdeen are keen to play their part and aim to be involved in a division just below the elite level.

Pittodrie vice-chairman George Yule admits his immediate concern is making the Dons a force in Scotland again but he is also looking at long-term possibilities.

He said: “The idea of a Super League has been in the public domain for some time and we are realistic enough to accept Aberdeen won’t be among those invited to sit at the top table.

“But change is coming in European football because clubs with money and power want it. We have to look at how we can benefit from any of those changes.

“First, though, we have a job to do in the SPL to improve on where we have been in recent years and I can assure our fans that is our top priority right now.”